Hello Scotty,
Is Engine Coolant aka Anti-freeze same for all cars? I just noticed that my Mazda 3(2004-2.0L Engine ---85k on Odometer) has coolant at the Min Level..I have been driving this car since 2012 and never had the coolant changed.I don't know if the previous owners got it changed as well.
Shall i leave it at Min Level or change it or top it up? .. Any idea which coolant should i go for?
Also, at stores the coolant i see is 3.78 L...The car requires very little coolant and i don't know shall i buy this much coolant and then store it for years??
Thx
The car requires very little coolant and i don't know shall i buy this much coolant and then store it for years??
If you're doing a full coolant change, which I highly recommend you do if you're unsure of history beyond the past 10 years, you will need much more than 3.78L of antifreeze. Most systems hold around 12-15L of antifreeze. Your owner's manual has this specification.
You need 50% coolant and 50% water, not concentrate.
Use the antifreeze called for in your owner's manual. Ask an auto parts store employee to look it up, they can tell you.
Get an OEM thermostat and gasket, a radiator cap, then check the radiator hoses. They're 18 years old, I would probably just replace them, as well as inspect the heater core hoses.
